This document summarizes conventions of the TV crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, including key details about the show such as its broadcaster and characters. It describes common narrative and production elements like the dark lighting used in crime scenes and labs to create suspense. It also notes that the target audience is adult males and females who enjoy cop dramas and mysteries, and that the show is marketed across TV, online, and DVD platforms.
1. TV Crime Drama Conventions
Name of
Drama
Broadcaster –
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Scheduling
details
CBS – created show – USA
Channel 5 – UK broadcaster
Conventions -
George Eads
...
Nick Stokes (298 episodes, 2000-2013)
Paul Guilfoyle
...
Captain Jim Brass / ... (298 episodes, 2000-2013)
Eric Szmanda
...
Greg Sanders (296 episodes, 2000-2013)
Robert David Hall
...
Dr. Al Robbins (290 episodes, 2000-2013)
Marg Helgenberger
...
Catherine Willows (263 episodes, 2000-2012)
Jorja Fox
...
Sara Sidle (258 episodes, 2000-2013)
David Berman
...
David Phillips (250 episodes, 2000-2013)
Wallace Langham
...
David Hodges (210 episodes, 2003-2013)
William Petersen
...
Gil Grissom (197 episodes, 2000-2013)
Gary Dourdan
Characters
...
Warrick Brown (183 episodes, 2000-2008)
Narrative
Grave Danger – Nick Stokes is kidnapped and buried alive.
The CSI team are in a race against time to save him.
Mise-en-scene
-
Crime lab – lighting is dark and eerie, creates suspense
Coffin – prop
Cornfield – buried Stokes – discreet
Fake crime scene – cup, dog intestines, lighting is dark
and creepy
Laboratory
CSI uniform
Prisoner jumpsuit
Locations
Sets
Lighting
Costume
2. Sound –
Key dialogue
Sound effects
Music
Audiences –
Who is the target
audience?
Male/Female
How might they
react differently?
Will it shape their
views of people,
issues or events?
Industry –
Marketing &
Promoting
Other platforms?
(DVD/online)
$1,000,000 ransom
Music – creates tension and gives characters a voice
Sound effects explosions, sirens, gun shots, sounds of the
city,
Sound effects compliment camera movement
Adults, male and females will enjoy
Fans of cop dramas, mysteries,
TV
Online - consoles
DVD
Show has dedicated website